The archaeology of buildings : an in-depth case study on the building techniques at Tas-Silg

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the building techniques identified in the southern part of the site of Tas-Silg. In this work, the building techniques encompass activities such as quantifying, dressing, the building of foundations, the lifting and laying of the blocks into place, as well as the bonding techniques employed. The different masonry styles identified on site are also discussed accompanied by a tentative interpretation of this area of Tas-Silg. While certain aspects of the building process, such as quarrying, may seem obvious this study has gone into detail to explain how this was actually done. Moreover building techniques are not merely described; rather, their structural advantages are also examined. Such a detailed investigation has in fact revealed unforeseen results, related both to the building techniques themselves, as well as to the societies in question.